Clinical Outcomes After Polyurethane Meniscal Scaffolds Implantation Remain Stable Despite a Joint Space Narrowing at 10-Year Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical outcomes, radiologic evolution, and survivorship of a series of patients affected by the postmeniscectomy syndrome and treated with a polyurethane scaffold at a minimum 10-year follow-up. In addition, the radiologic evolution of these patients was also assessed. METHODS: All the patients operated on with a polyurethane meniscal scaffold implantation to treat postmeniscectomy syndrome from 2008 to 2011 were prospectively followed. Clinical evaluations and radiologic studies were assessed at the preoperative period, at 5-year follow-up, and at minimum 10-year follow-up. Clinical outcomes were based on patient-reported outcomes (e.g., the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, International Knee Documentation Committee, Lysholm, and Tegner). Radiographical evaluation of the joint-space narrowing was done in the Rosenberg view. Failure was defined as patients who required surgery to remove the scaffold or those patients who needed surgery for a total or partial knee replacement. RESULTS: Twenty-one of 27 patients, with a mean age of 56 ± 9.8 years, were available for the final follow-up. The mean follow-up was 11.8 (range, 10-12.7) years. Six patients were lost to follow-up. All functional scores showed a significant improvement (P < .001) at the 5- and 10-year follow-up. The exception was the Tegner score, which remained stable. The joint-space width was maintained from the preoperative period (1.9 ± 1.2 mm) up to the 5-year follow-up (1.3 ± 1.5 mm, P = .3) and decreased by the last evaluation (0.6 ± 1.2 mm, P = .001) at the last follow-up. Two (9.5%) of 21 patients were converted to a total knee replacement during the study period. None of the other patients needed revision surgery during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: The polyurethane meniscal scaffold provides significant and stable pain relief over time and improved functional outcomes at a minimum of 10 years after surgery. However, degenerative changes progressed in the treated compartment, with a joint-space narrowing over the 10-year period. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Mid-Term Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Lateral Meniscal Allograft Transplantation with Suture-Only Fixation Plus Capsulodesis.

Meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) is an effective reconstructive procedure for treating a symptomatic postmeniscectomy syndrome. It consists of replacing the lost meniscal tissue aiming to improve the clinical outcomes and prevent progressive deterioration of the joint. The aim of this study was to evaluate meniscal graft survivorship and report on the radiographic (in terms of graft extrusion and joint space width and alignment) and the functional results through a midterm follow-up of lateral MAT performed with a soft tissue fixation technique after capsulodesis. In total, 23 patients who underwent lateral MAT as a single procedure were included. The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Lysholm, Tegner, and visual analog scale scales were used for patient assessment. Magnetic resonance imaging and a complete radiographic protocol were conducted to determine the degree of meniscal extrusion and the changes in the degree of osteoarthritis and coronal alignment. Assessments were performed after 2 and 7 years of follow-up. A significant improvement in all the scores, relative to preoperative values, was found after 7 years of follow-up. This improvement remained consistent throughout the first and second follow-up periods. A mean absolute extrusion of 2.2 mm ± 1.6 and an extrusion percentage of 28.0% ± 11.43 were found, with no significant differences throughout the follow-up periods. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of the frontal mechanical axis and joint space narrowing between the preoperative value and at the first and second follow-up periods. A survival rate of 85.7% was found after 7 years of follow-up. Capsulodesis results in a low degree of meniscal extrusion in isolated lateral MAT fixed with a suture-only technique, which is maintained after 7 years of follow-up, with a high graft survival index (>85%) and satisfactory results on the functional scales.

The distal tibiofibular syndesmosis is a reliable landmark for 3° varus tibial resection in total knee arthroplasty: a radiological evaluation on 1296 cases.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility and the accuracy of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis (DTFS) as landmark to perform controlled varus tibial resections during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The hypothesis was that DTFS can be used to perform an accurate 3° varus tibial cut. METHODS: A retrospective analysis on a consecutive series of standard weightbearing full-length anteroposterior views of the lower limbs radiographic images was conducted. For each radiograph, the hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle, the angle between the tibial mechanical axis and the line connecting the centre of the tibial spines and the DTFS (tibiofibular angle, TFA) and the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) were calculated. Each measurement was carried out twice by three independent observers, and intra- and inter-observer measurement reliability were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1296 lower limbs were analysed from a series of 648 weightbearing full-length anteroposterior radiographs. The ICC were > 90% for all measurements. The mean TFA value was 2.94 ± 0.68 (range 2.38-3.51). No differences were detected comparing the mean TFA value on the right and left limb (p = 0.795) as well as comparing the values in male and female patients (p = 0.691). Linear regression analysis did not find statistically significant correlation between TFA and MPTA, or TFA and HKA angles, respectively. CONCLUSION: The distal tibiofibular syndesmosis is a reliable and easy reproducible radiographic landmark that can be used when planning a 3° varus tibial cut. Future studies are needed to confirm the validity of this method also in clinical settings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective case series.

Effect of Injury to the Lateral Meniscotibial Ligament and Meniscofibular Ligament on Meniscal Extrusion: Biomechanical Evaluation of the Capsulodesis and Centralization Techniques in a Porcine Knee Model.

Background: Previous biomechanical studies of the meniscotibial ligament have determined that it contributes to meniscal stability. An injury to it can cause the meniscus to extrude, and reconstruction of that ligament significantly reduces extrusion. Purpose: To assess the biomechanical effects of sectioning the lateral meniscotibial ligament (LMTL) and the meniscofibular ligament (MFL) with respect to the radial mobility of the lateral meniscus and to evaluate the biomechanical effects of the capsulodesis and centralization techniques. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: The lateral meniscus of 22 porcine knees was evaluated. They were mounted on a testing apparatus to apply muscle and ground-reaction forces. The meniscus was evaluated at 30° and 60° of knee flexion using 2 markers placed on the posterior cruciate ligament and the lateral meniscus after applying an axial compression of 200 N to the knee joint. Measurements were recorded under 5 conditions: intact lateral meniscus, injury of the LMTL, subsequent injury of the MFL, the use of the open capsulodesis technique, and the reconstruction of the LMTL and the MFL with the centralization technique. Results: The distance between the 2 markers was significantly greater in the extrusion group (combined lesion of the LMTL and MFL) than in the intact or reconstruction groups (capsulodesis and centralization techniques; P < .001 in all cases). In the cases of load application, no significant differences were observed between the control group (intact meniscus) and the groups on which the reconstruction techniques were performed. There were also no differences when comparing the results obtained between both reconstruction techniques. In all settings, the distance between the 2 markers increased with the increase in the knee flexion angle. Conclusion: In a porcine model, the LMTL and the MFL participated as restrictors of the radial mobility of the lateral meniscus during loading. Their injury caused a significant increase in lateral meniscal extrusion, and the centralization and the capsulodesis procedures were able to reduce extrusion. Clinical Relevance: This study demonstrates the capacity of the LMTL and the MFL to restrict the radial mobility of the lateral meniscus during loading and how it is affected when they are injured.

Arthroscopically Assisted Suprapatellar Tibial Nail Removal.

Intramedullary nailing remains the most popular and preferred method of fixation for tibial shaft fractures. The infrapatellar approach through the patellar tendon has long been considered the gold standard. However, the suprapatellar approach has gained popularity because of the advantages of being easier to perform when treating proximal shaft and metaphyseal fractures and there being less postoperative anterior knee pain. Despite increased use of this approach, the removal of the implant from the same suprapatellar approach is tricky, and in most cases, the removal is performed through a new transpatellar tendon approach. This article describes arthroscopically assisted suprapatellar tibial nail removal using the same approach and instrumentation of the nail insertion. The technique has the advantage of preserving the patellar tendon without causing secondary damage to it. Through arthroscopy, direct visualization of the patellofemoral joint aids in preventing possible cartilage injury. Moreover, any associated intra-articular lesions can be diagnosed and addressed.

Systematic lateral retinacular release does not reduce anterior knee pain after total knee arthroplasty with patellar resurfacing.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of systematic lateral retinacular release (LRR) on anterior knee pain (AKP), as well as its impact on the functional and radiological outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with patellar resurfacing. METHODS: A prospective randomized study was designed. It included patients scheduled for a TKA procedure with patellar resurfacing, who were recruited and randomized into either the LRR group or the non-release group. 198 patients were included in the final analysis. The pressure pain threshold (PPT) assessed by pressure algometry (PA), the visual analogue scale (VAS), Feller's patellar score, the Knee Society Score (KSS), patellar height, and patellar tilt were recorded both preoperatively and at the 1-year follow-up. The Mann-Whitney U test was performed to determine comparisons between both groups as well as to determine differences' intragroup. RESULTS: Relative to the clinical variables and scores, no difference was detected between the two groups at the 1-year follow-up (p = n.s.). However, there was a slight difference in patellar tilt (0.1º vs. 1.4º, p = 0.044), with higher tilt values in the non-release group. There was no difference in terms of improvement in the clinical and radiological scores and variables recorded between the two groups (p = n.s.). CONCLUSION: LRR in primary TKA with patellar resurfacing does not show an improvement in AKP and functional outcomes over patellar resurfacing without release. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Anterior cruciate ligament failure and management.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction failure can be defined as abnormal knee function due to graft insufficiency with abnormal laxity or failure to recreate a functional knee according to the expected outcome. Traumatic ruptures have been reported as the most common reason for failure. They are followed by technical errors, missed concomitant knee injuries, and biological failures. An in-depth preoperative examination that includes a medical history, clinical examinations, advanced imaging, and other appropriate methods is of utmost importance. There is still no consensus as to the ideal graft, but autografts are the favorite choice even in ACL revision. Concomitant meniscal treatment, ligamentous reconstruction, and osteotomies can be performed in the same surgical session to remove anatomical or biomechanical risk factors for the failure. Patient expectations should be managed since outcomes after ACL revision are not as good as those following primary ACL reconstruction.

Isolated lateral extra-articular tenodesis in ACL-deficient knees: in vivo knee kinematics and clinical outcomes.

PURPOSE: To carry out an in vivo kinematic analysis of isolated modified Lemaire lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) to explore its ability to modify the stability of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficient knees. The secondary aim was to look at the clinical outcomes of the isolated LET to analyze whether biomechanical changes have an influence on clinical improvement or not. METHODS: A total of 52 patients who underwent an isolated modified Lemaire LET were prospectively studied. Twenty-two were over 55-year-old patients with ACL rupture and subjective instability (group 1). They were followed up for 2 years postoperatively. Thirty were patients underwent a two-stage ACL revision (group 2). They were followed up for 4 months postoperatively (up to the second stage of the ACL revision). Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative kinematic analyses were carried out using the KiRA accelerometer and KT1000 arthrometer to look for residual anterolateral rotational instability and residual anteroposterior instability. Functional outcomes were measured with the single-leg vertical jump test (SLVJT) and the single-leg hop test (SLHT). Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the IKDC 2000, Lysholm, and Tegner scores. RESULTS: A significant reduction of both rotational and anteroposterior instability was detected. It was present both with the patient under anesthesia (p < 0.001 and p = 0.007 respectively) as well as with the patient awake (p = 0.008 and p = 0.018 respectively). Postoperative analysis of knee laxity did not show any significant variation from the first to the last follow-up. Both the SLVJT and SLHT improved significantly at the last follow-up (p < 0.001 and p = 0.011 respectively). The mean values of both the IKDC and Lysholm and Tegner scores showed an improvement (p = 0.008; p = 0.012; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The modified Lemaire LET improves the kinematics of ACL-deficient knees. The improvement in the kinematics leads to an improvement in subjective stability as well as in the function of the knee and in the clinical outcomes. At the 2-year follow-up, these improvements were maintained in a cohort of patients over 55 years. Following our findings, to reduce knee instability, an isolated LET in ACL-deficient knees may be used when ACL reconstruction in patients over 55 years is not indicated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Good clinical outcomes can be expected after meniscal allograft transplantation at 15 years of follow-up.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate graft survivorship and report the functional and radiographic results of Meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) throughout a minimum 15-year follow-up period. METHODS: Fifty-one patients that had undergone an isolated MAT procedure during the period studied were included. The results were assessed with the Lysholm and Tegner scores as well as the Visual Analog Scale. Magnetic resonance imaging and a complete radiographic series were carried out to determine the degree of meniscal extrusion and joint space narrowing. A comparison was made between the radiological findings of the last follow-up, the 5-year mid-term follow-up and those from the preoperative period. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients were available for the final follow-up. The mean follow-up was 17.4 years. There were 23 (60.5%) medial menisci and 15 lateral menisci (39.4%). Meniscal extrusion increased from the 29.7% ± 14.9 obtained at the 5-year follow-up to the 72.5% ± 22.5 seen at the end of the follow-up (p = 0.0001). The joint space distance was almost unchanged from the initial evaluation (3.3 ± 1.5 mm) to the 5-year follow-up measurement (3.1 ± 1.7 mm, n.s.). However, it did decrease at the last follow-up (1.9 ± 1.5 mm, p < 0.05). The functional outcomes improved from the preoperative period to the mid-term follow-up and later worsened at the final follow-up. The mean preoperative Lysholm score at the initial follow-up was 61.5 ± 9.6, 86.9 ± 10.9 for the 5-year evaluation and stood at 77.4 ± 11.5 (p = 0.0001) at the final follow-up. Regarding the Tegner score, those pre-operative scores were compared to the ones at the last follow-up (median: 3; range 0-6 vs. 5.5; 3-6, respectively; p = 0.0001). The VAS went down from 6.6 ± 1.7 at the initial evaluation to 2.5 ± 1.9 at the final follow-up (p = 0.0001). The joint-space width remained unchanged from the initial evaluation (3.35 ± 1.5 mm) up to the 5-year follow-up measurement (3.1 ± 1.7 mm, n.s.). However, this joint-space distance had decreased by the last evaluation in the long-term follow-up (1.9 ± 1.4 mm, p < 0.05). Five patients (13.1%) presented with a MAT failure at 5 years, which was followed by extirpation of the meniscal graft. At the final follow-up, a total of 16 patients (42.1%) presented with a failure. At that time, there were 4 more MAT removals and seven patients that required a total knee replacement. The mean time to failure of the meniscal graft was 206.2 months ± 13.4 (18.0 years). CONCLUSIONS: Meniscal allograft transplantation produces good functional results at a minimum 15-year follow-up. However, degenerative arthritis in the affected compartment progressed during that period. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Combined Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Modified Lemaire Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis Better Restores Knee Stability and Reduces Failure Rates Than Isolated Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Skeletally Immature Patients.

BACKGROUND: The increase in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in pediatric patients and the high failure rate reported in the literature in this population are driving surgeons to search for specific techniques to better restore knee stability. Recent literature has reported that the combination of lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) and ACL reconstruction improves outcomes in high-risk patients. However, such advantages in pediatric patients have been infrequently evaluated. PURPOSE: To assess whether adding LET to ACL reconstruction can significantly improve knee stability, clinical outcomes, and failure rates in pediatric patients. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A multicentric study involving 3 orthopaedic teaching centers was conducted to evaluate pediatric patients aged between 12 and 16 years who had undergone primary ACL reconstruction using a physeal-sparing femoral tunnel drilling technique. A minimum 2-year follow-up evaluation was required. Based on the surgical technique performed, the patients were divided into 2 group. The patients in group 1 underwent an isolated arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, while the patients in group 2 had an arthroscopic ACL reconstruction in combination with a modified Lemaire LET procedure. Group 1 was a historical control cohort of patients, whereas group 2 was prospectively enrolled. All the patients included in the present study were clinically evaluated using the Pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee (Pedi-IKDC) subjective score and the Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale (Pedi-FABS) score. Anteroposterior knee stability was measured using the KT-1000 knee ligament arthrometer, and the objective pivot-shift evaluation was documented using a triaxial accelerometer (Kinematic Rapid Assessment [KiRA]). The included patients also underwent a standardized radiological protocol to evaluate leg-length discrepancies, axial deviation, and degenerative signs preoperatively and at last follow-up. RESULTS: This study included 66 pediatric patients with an anatomic hybrid ACL reconstruction using an autologous 4-strand hamstring graft. In group 1, there were 34 patients (mean age, 13.5 ± 1.2 years), while 32 patients (mean age, 13.8 ± 1.4 years) were included in group 2. The clinical outcome scores showed no difference between the 2 groups (Pedi-IKDC, P = .072; Pedi-FABS, P = .180). Nevertheless, the patients in group 2 had better anteroposterior stability measured using a KT-1000 arthrometer (1.9 ± 1.1 mm in group 1 vs 0.8 ± 0.8 mm in group 2; P = .031), as well as better rotational stability measured using the KiRA (-0.59 ± 1.05 m/s2 in group 2 vs 0.98 ± 1.12 m/s2 in group 1; P = .012). The patients in group 1 returned to sports at the same competitive level at a rate of 82.4%, while patients included in group 2 returned at the same competitive level in 90.6% of the cases without a significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .059). No leg-length discrepancies were found between the 2 groups at last follow-up (P = .881). Two patients displayed an increased valgus deformity of 3° on the operated limb at last follow-up (1 patient in group 1 and 1 patient in group 2). Group 1 had a significatively higher cumulative failure rate (14.7% vs 6.3%; P = .021). No intra- or postoperative complications was observed between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Performing a modified Lemaire LET along with an ACL reconstruction with hamstring graft in pediatric patients reduced the cumulative failure rate and improved objective stability with no increase in intra- or postoperative complications. No significant difference was found between the 2 groups in terms of patient-reported outcomes or in the return-to-sports activity.

Fast Functional Rehabilitation Protocol versus Plaster Cast Immobilization Protocol after Achilles Tendon Tenorrhaphy: Is It Different? Clinical, Ultrasonographic, and Elastographic Comparison.

BACKGROUND: the incidence of Achilles tendon (AT) rupture is rising; however, there is no clear consensus regarding the optimal treatment. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare instrumental and patient-reported outcome scores after fast functional rehabilitation (group A) versus plaster cast immobilization (group B) programs in patients who underwent AT tenorrhaphy. METHODS: 33 patients, with similar clinical and demographic features, underwent open AT tenorrhaphy between January and July 2018. Of these, 15 patients were treated with fast functional rehabilitation program (group A), and 18 patients were treated with plaster cast immobilization protocol (group B). Sural triceps hypotrophy and functional scores (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Score, and Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS)) were recorded at a 12-month follow-up. Ultrasonography (US) and elastosonography (ES) were used to compare the characteristics of the tendons after surgery. RESULTS: At 12 months, no significant differences in any of the patient-reported outcomes or the instrumental measurement tests were seen between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: fast functional rehabilitation after AT surgical repair is safe, effective, and may be the first choice of treatment, especially in young, collaborative, and active patients.

Minimizing the risk of graft failure after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in athletes. A narrative review of the current evidence.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is one of the most common sport-related injuries and the request for ACL reconstructions is increasing nowadays. Unfortunately, ACL graft failures are reported in up to 34.2% in athletes, representing a traumatic and career-threatening event. It can be convenient to understand the various risk factors for ACL failure, in order to properly inform the patients about the expected outcomes and to minimize the chance of poor results. In literature, a multitude of studies have been performed on the failure risks after ACL reconstruction, but the huge amount of data may generate much confusion.The aim of this review is to resume the data collected from literature on the risk of graft failure after ACL reconstruction in athletes, focusing on the following three key points: individuate the predisposing factors to ACL reconstruction failure, analyze surgical aspects which may have significant impact on outcomes, highlight the current criteria regarding safe return to sport after ACL reconstruction.

The morphology of the femoral footprint of the anterior cruciate ligament changes with aging from a large semicircular shape to a small flat ribbon-like shape.

PURPOSE: Compare the differences in the morphology of the ACL femoral footprint between the cadavers of the young and elderly in consideration of the degenerative physiological process that occurs with aging. METHODS: The femoral footprint of the ACL was dissected in 81 knees of known gender and age (45 male/36 female). They were divided into four groups by age and gender, establishing 50 years as the cut-off point to divide patients by age. Three observers analyzed the femoral footprint dissections, and the shapes were described and classified. The area and morphometric characteristics of the femoral insertion of the ACL were determined and these were compared between genders and age groups. RESULTS: The femoral footprint of the ACL from the cadavers of males younger than 50 years of age presented a semicircular morphology in 90% of the cases. In males aged more than 50 years, a ribbon-like morphology was found in 96% of the cases. In women less than 50 years old, the semicircular morphology was observed in 93.7% of the cases. In women aged over 50 years old, the ribbon-like morphology was found in 95% of the cases. A significant difference was observed between the prevalence rates of the morphologies, area size and measurements of the younger and older groups (p < 0.001 for both genders). CONCLUSIONS: The femoral insertion of the ACL presents variations in its morphology, area and morphometric characteristics over time. It goes from a large semicircular shape that almost contacts the posterior articular cartilage to a smaller, flattened ribbon-like shape that moves away from the edge of the articular cartilage. It is bounded anteriorly by the lateral intercondylar ridge. These findings should be considered to avoid employing reconstruction techniques in which femoral tunnels with oval or rectangular shapes are used in patients under 50 years of age because they do not correspond to the morphology of the femoral insertion of the ACL in this age group.

Lateral extraarticular tenodesis improves stability in non-anatomic ACL reconstructed knees: in vivo kinematic analysis.

PURPOSE: To carry out an in vivo kinematic analysis to determine whether adding a lateral extraarticular tenodesis (LET) for those patients with subjective instability and objective residual laxity after a transtibial (TT) anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) reduces anteroposterior and rotational laxity and to evaluate the 2-year follow-up clinical outcomes to analyze whether biomechanical changes determine clinical improvement or not. METHODS: A total of 19 patients with residual knee instability after TT ACLR who underwent a modified Lemaire LET were prospectively evaluated for at least 2-year follow-up. Preoperative, intraoperative, and 6 and 24-month postoperative kinematic analyses were carried out using the KiRA accelerometer and KT1000 arthrometer to look for residual anterolateral rotational instability and residual anteroposterior instability. Functional outcomes were measured with the single-leg vertical jump test and the single-leg hop test. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the IKDC 2000, Lysholm, and Tegner scores. RESULTS: A significant reduction in anterolateral rotational instability was detected with the patient under anesthesia (from 3 ± 1.2 to 1.1 ± 1.1 m/s2; p < 0.05) as well as with the patient awake (from 2.1 ± 0.8 to 0.7 ± 1.4 m/s2; p < 0.05). A significant reduction in anteroposterior instability was only present under anesthesia (from 3.4 ± 1.9 to 2.1 ± 1.1 mm; p < 0.05), while no difference was present without anesthesia (from 2.3 ± 1.1 to 1.6 ± 1 mm; n.s.). Postoperative analysis of knee laxity did not show any significant variation from the first to the last follow-up. Both the single-leg vertical jump test and single-leg hop test improved significantly at the last follow-up (both p < 0.05). The mean values of both the IKDC and Tegner scores showed an improvement (p < 0.05 and p < 0.05, respectively), whereas that was not the case with the Lysholm score (n.s.). CONCLUSIONS: The modified Lemaire LET can improve the kinematics of a non-anatomic ACL reconstructed knee with residual subjective and objective instability. These kinematic changes were able to lead to an improvement in subjective stability as well as the function of the knee in a small cohort of recreationally active patients. At 2-year follow-up, the kinematic changes as well as the level of activity of the patients and the IKDC score show their improvement sustained. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Central Transpatellar Tendon Portal Is Safe When Used for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Central transpatellar tendon portal (CTP) was suggested first for complex meniscal lesion and subsequently for a better femoral footprint view during reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). A comprehensive evaluation of possible consequences of using the CTP performing an ACL reconstruction does not exist. Our hypothesis was that the use of CTP for ACL reconstruction does not lead to a higher rate of complications or clinically evident radiological abnormalities. In total, 141 patients were prospectively evaluated, 69 underwent ACL reconstruction using a standard high medial portal as view portal, and 72 where a CTP was used. Clinical evaluation, Kujala's score, patellar height, and magnetic resonance (MR) abnormalities were evaluated up to 1-year follow-up. Clinical complications were reported in 16 cases with no statistically significant differences between the two groups. The group 2 had significantly more MR abnormalities (p = 0.048), but the differences in MR alterations do not have any clinical repercussion even in a sports-active population. No differences were found between the groups in Kujala's score, time to return to work, and sport or patellar height. The overall mean preoperative Caton-Deschamps Index decreased significantly (p = 0.034) postoperatively. Postoperative patellar height seems to slightly decrease after ACL reconstruction regardless of the kind of the portals used intraoperatively and the initial patellar height. Nevertheless, this change in patellar height does not influence the postoperative outcome. CTP used for ACL reconstruction does not lead to significative major clinical complications.

Fixed-bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty provides a lower failure rate than mobile-bearing unicompartimental knee arthroplasty when used after a failed high tibial osteotomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Despite the fact that the choice of bearing design has been thought to influence the functional outcomes and longevity of unicompartimental knee arthroplasty (UKA), there is a lack of clinical evidence supporting the decision-making process in patients who have undergone high tibial osteotomy (HTO). A systematic review of studies was carried out that reported the outcomes of fixed-bearing (FB) or mobile-bearing (MB) medial UKA in patients with a previous HTO. A random effect meta-analysis using a generalized linear mixed-effects model to calculate revision rates was done. Seven retrospective cohort studies were included for this study. Regarding the fixation method, 40 were the FB-UKA and 47 were MB-UKA. For both groups, the mean post-operative follow-up was 5.8 years. The survival rates were 92% for the FB-UKA with a mean follow-up of 10 years. For the MB-UKA, it ranged from 35.7 to 93%, with a mean follow-up of 4.2 years. For the FB, the time to revision was reported as 9.3 years, while 1.2, 2.5 and 2.91 years was reported for the MB. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the revision rate for the patients receiving a FB-UKA after failed HTO was 8%, compared to 17% in those who received an MB-UKA. The results of the review suggest that the use of the FB-UKA is associated with lower revision rates and a longer survival time than the MB-UKA and have similar functional ability scores.Level of evidence: III (systematic review of level-III studies).

MRI evaluation of the peripheral attachments of the lateral meniscal body: the menisco-tibio-popliteus-fibular complex.

PURPOSE: To determine, identify and measure the structures of the menisco-tibio-popliteus-fibular complex (MTPFC) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in knees without structural abnormalities or a history of knee surgery. METHODS: One-hundred-and-five knees without prior injury or antecedent surgery were analyzed by means of MRI. The average age was 50.1 years ± 14.8. All the measurements were performed by three observers. The peripherical structures of the lateral meniscus body were identified to determine the location, size, and thickness of the entire MTPFC. The distance to other "key areas" in the lateral compartment was also studied and compared by gender and age. RESULTS: The lateral meniscotibial ligament (LMTL) was found in 97.1% of the MRIs, the popliteofibular ligament (PFL) in 93.3%, the popliteomeniscal ligaments (PML) in 90.4% and the meniscofibular ligament (MFL) in 39%. The anteroposterior distance of the LMTL in an axial view was 20.7 mm ± 3.9, the anterior thickness of the LMTL was 1.1 mm ± 0.3, and the posterior thickness of the LMTL 1.2 mm ± 0.1 and the height in a coronal view was 10.8 mm ± 1.9. The length of the PFL in a coronal view was 8.7 mm ± 2.5, the thickness was 1.4 mm ± 0.4 and the width in an axial view was 7.8 mm ± 2.2. CONCLUSIONS: The MTPFC has a constant morphological and anatomical pattern for three of its main ligaments and can be easily identified and measured in an MRI; the MFL has a lower prevalence, considering a structure difficult to identify by 1.5 T MRI.

Anatomy of lateral meniscus.

The anatomy of the lateral meniscus underlies the understanding of its unique biomechanics. Moreover, the knowledge of its microscopic structure, its vascularization and its ligament insertions can make us understand the rationale for its surgical treatment. It is well known as the respect of the anatomy leads to better results in reconstructive surgery. Knowing the differences in the shape and in the areas of insertion of the meniscal roots can be useful in case of reinserting a root or when performing a meniscal transplant. Learning about the capsular insertions, the anchoring ligaments and the areas of greatest mobility of the lateral meniscus is useful during meniscal repair and replacement surgery. This information can let us choose the most appropriate technique and the best device to face any kind of meniscal lesion. In this article, we will consider both the micro and the macro meniscal structure in order to be able to give a description as complete as possible of this fundamental structure. We will consider the interrelation of the meniscus with the neighboring anatomical structures with which it contributes to the biomechanical control of the joint. It is important to understand the interrelation with both anterior and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) given that frequently a combined meniscal and ligamentous reconstruction is necessary.

Proximal Tibiofibular Dislocation in Closing-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy Increases the Risk of Medium and Long-Term Total Knee Replacement.

Proximal tibiofibular dislocation in closing-wedge high tibial osteotomy increases the risk of medium and long-term total knee replacement. Background: High tibial osteotomy is an effective treatment for medial osteoarthritis in young patients with varus knee. The lateral closing-wedge high tibial osteotomy (CWHTO) may be managed with tibiofibular dislocation (TFJD) or a fibular head osteotomy (FHO). TFJD may lead to lateral knee instability and thereby affect mid- and long-term outcomes. It also brings the osteotomy survival rate down. Objective: To compare the CWHTO survival rate in function of tibiofibular joint management with TFJD or FHO, and to determine whether medium and long-term clinical outcomes are different between the two procedures. Material & Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out that included CWHTO performed between January 2005 to December 2018. Those patients were placed in either group 1 (FHO) or Group 2 (TFJD). Full-leg weight-bearing radiographs were studied preoperatively, one year after surgery and at final follow-up to assess the femorotibial angle (FTA). The Rosenberg view was used to assess the Ahlbäck grade. The Knee Society Score (KSS) was used to assess clinical outcomes and a Likert scale for patient satisfaction. The total knee replacement (TKR) was considered the end of the follow-up and the point was to analyze the CWHTO survival rate. A sub-analysis of both cohorts was performed in patients who had not been FTA overcorrected after surgery (postoperative FTA ≤ 180°, continuous loading in varus). Results: A total of 230 knees were analyzed. The follow-up period ranged from 24-180 months. Group 1 (FHO) consisted of 105 knees and group 2 (TFJD) had 125. No preoperative differences were observed in terms of age, gender, the KSS, FTA or the Ahlbäck scale; neither were there any differences relative to postop complications. The final follow-up FTA was 178.7° (SD 4.9) in group 1 and 179.5° (SD 4.2) in group 2 (p = 0.11). The Ahlbäck was 2.21 (SD 0.5) in group 1 and 2.55 (SD 0.5) in group 2 (p = 0.02) at the final follow-up. The final KSS knee values were similar for group 1 (86.5 ± 15.9) and group 2 (84.3 ± 15.8). Although a non-significant trend of decreased HTO survival in the TFJD group was found (p = 0.06) in the sub-analysis of non-overcorrected knees, which consisted of 52 patients from group 1 (FHO) and 58 from group 2 (TFJD), 12.8% of the patients required TKR with a mean of 88.8 months in group 1 compared to 26.8% with a mean of 54.9 months in the case of group 2 (p = 0.005). However, there were no differences in clinical and radiological outcomes. Conclusion: TFJD associated with CWHTO shows an increase in the conversion to TKR at medium and long-term follow-up with lower osteotomy survival than the CWHTO associated with FHO, especially in patients with a postoperative FTA ≤ 180° (non-overcorrected). There were no differences in clinical, radiological or satisfaction results in patients who did not require TKR. Level of evidence III. Retrospective cohort study.

Effect of Modified Lemaire Anterolateral Extra-articular Tenodesis on the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Maturity Signal of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Hamstring Graft.

BACKGROUND: Lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) is one of the most widely used procedures to restore anterolateral stability. Clinical outcomes after the addition of LET to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) have been widely investigated; however, the potential influence of LET on the ACL ligamentization process has not been examined. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose was to use 10-month postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to determine whether the maturity of grafts after hamstring autograft ACLR was affected by concomitant LET. The hypothesis was that when modified Lemaire lateral extra-articular tenodesis (MLLET) was performed, the MRI parameters of ACL graft maturity would be modified. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: The study included patients treated between December 2017 and December 2018 who had undergone anatomic 3-strand hamstring tendon autograft ACLR, with or without concomitant MLLET, and had undergone MRI 10 months postoperatively. Thus, the study included 30 patients who had isolated ACLR and 22 patients who had ACLR plus MLLET. The 2 groups were comparable based on all criteria analyzed. To evaluate graft maturity, the signal-to-noise quotient (SNQ) was measured in 3 regions of interest of the proximal, midsubstance, and distal ACL graft. Lower SNQ ratios indicate less water content and, theoretically, better maturity and healing of the graft. RESULTS: The mean ± SD for SNQ was 4.62 ± 4.29 (range, 3.12-6.19) in the isolated ACLR group and 7.59 ± 4.68 (range, 4.38-8.04) in the ACLR plus MLLET group (P = .012). Upon comparing the mean values of the 3 portions between the 2 groups, we found a significant difference between the 2 groups for the proximal and middle portions (P = .007 and P = .049, respectively) but no difference in the distal portion (P = .369). CONCLUSION: At the 10-month follow-up, hamstring tendon autografts for anatomic ACLR with MLLET did not show the same MRI signal intensity compared with isolated hamstring anatomic ACLR.